VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS OF THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF MINNESOTA. GENERAL ORDERS NO. 5 November 2014

Transcription

1 VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS OF THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF MINNESOTA Mail: Rice Street Station, PO Box 17146, St Paul, MN Phone: FAX: GENERAL ORDERS NO. 5 November November 11 th is Veterans Day all over the United States. The Official observance designated by Governor Dayton will be held at 10:00AM on November 11 th at the Veterans Memorial Community Center; 8055 Barbara Ave; Inver Grove Heights, MN There will be other notable events on November 11 th as well. 2. The following District meetings are announced: First District December 6 Wabasha # 9:30AM Rick Bugbee Fifth District December 14 Starbuck # 2:00PM Rick Bugbee Sixth District December 6 Jenkins # 1:00PM Gary Anderson Seventh District December 6 Palmer Lake # 11:00AM Duane Hermanson 3. All Posts that closed their books on June 30, 2014 and had a gross income of $50,000 or more, must file a 990 IRS return on or before the 15 th of November. Posts that have gambling must file a 990T return because this is considered unrelated business income and taxable. Failure to file has a penalty of $10.00 per day, with a maximum penalty of $5,000. The Department has a group exemption number of GEN-1068 under Section 501-C-19. Posts should use these numbers on their return. NOTICE: All Posts grossing under $50,000 MUST file an e-postcard ( 990 N). Posts failing to file a 990 are in danger of losing their Tax Exempt status!!!! (It is recommended that you contact your accountant or the recent IRS instructions for Tax Exempt Organizations.) (Publication 3386) 4. The Department Midwinter Conference will be held at the Marriott in Minneapolis, Friday and Saturday, January 23-24, Housing forms for the Marriott and Order forms for the Banquet Tickets are in this mailing, online at: and will be published in the next Gopher Oversea`r. A bulletin for Ads for the Mid-Winter Conference Booklet is also enclosed. 5. The Dues reminder notice for 2015 will be mailed to unpaid members in November/December. Post officers should conduct a Telephone Membership Campaign to follow up on this dues notice. We are now on Subscription Dues. Your Quartermaster should consult the Online Membership System monthly. 6. All requests for present or past Department Officers and Guest Speakers should be coordinated through Department Headquarters: therefore, such requests should be addressed to the Department Commander at V.F.W. Department Headquarters, Rice St. Station, P.O. Box 17146, St. Paul, MN It is the responsibility of the Host Post to reimburse the Officer for expense in traveling to Membership Dinners, Speaking Engagements, etc., since traveling expenses are not reimbursed by Department Headquarters. 7. Bantam Hockey rules have been sent to all District Youth Activities Chairmen for distribution to the Posts in their District. Any Post interested in sponsoring a team should contact their District Youth Chairman immediately.(rules and Rosters are also online at 8. Each monthly mailing to Post Commanders includes a Community Service Report Form. Please use this to report projects completed by your Post and/or Auxiliary that have helped others or were of service to your Community. Have you reported an Americanism project yet? Like a Veterans Day Observance in your Schools, Community, or Post? Please consult your Community Service Guide for instruction on reporting projects. (Community Service Report forms are also on-line at -OVER- General Orders 1 November 2014

2 9. Post Quartermasters are urged to re-check their Post Roster and send in corrected addresses for those members listed as Undeliverable. These members will not receive a dues notice, V.F.W. Magazine or Gopher Oversea r until the Post provides an address! Furthermore, VFW National Headquarters will eventually drop them from your Post Roster this includes Life Members! 10. Any Club or Canteen operation that is in violation of established rules of the Veterans of Foreign Wars is reminded that the Post Commander has the authority to close the bar, club or canteen. Additionally, your Post may have it s Charter Suspended for at least 30 days by the State Commander. 11. RELIEF FUND: Be it known that under Section 704 of the National By-Laws and Manual of Procedure, (Paragraph B and C) A Post or Auxiliary can donate to National Military Service and Operation Uplink from their Relief Fund. 12. Please visit the Department Resource section of the VFW State Web Page ( for valuable report forms and information. This would include information such as: Community Service Report Forms, and Buddy Poppy Kit. 13. Please note the Warning to Post Commanders, Quartermasters and Trustees enclosed in this General Orders. In the case of unpaid federal payroll taxes, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) will go after the Chief financial officer (Quartermaster), before going after the Corporation (Post). 14. All Post Adjutants MUST maintain the original Membership Application for each member of their Post. This application must show proof of eligibility in the Veterans of Foreign Wars. These records are required by the IRS and the National By-Laws. HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ONE AND ALL OFFICIAL: BY ORDER OF: Gary Anderson State Commander Department of Minnesota, V.F.W. James R. Hesselgrave Adjutant/Quartermaster General Orders 2 November 2014

3 You are cordially invited to the Department Homecoming honoring Commander Gary Anderson On December 13, 2014 SOCIAL: 6:00 PM DINNER: 7:00 PM PROGRAM to Follow At Kraus-Hartig VFW # Pleasant View Drive Spring Lake Park, MN MENU Prime Rib Dinner with the Trimmings ************************************************************************************ Hotel Information: A block of rooms has been reserved at the Days Inn in Moundsview - at 2149 Program Ave. (by the Mermaid) Phone Mention Gary Anderson/VFW for these rates Rates: Single $55.00 / Double $65.00 Note to all Cooties you can also get this rate on Friday night as well.as Saturday night. ALL tickets will be PICKED UP at the Door and MUST be PREPAID and RESERVED by DECEMBER 4, # of Persons attending at $23.00 TOTAL INCLUDED: $ Person to PICK UP TICKETS: Make checks payable to Gary Anderson earmarked Department Commander s Testimonial MAIL to: Gary Anderson th Lane NE Blaine, MN General Orders 3 November 2014

4 General Orders 4 November 2014

5 Happy Thanksgiving The Department of Minnesota Veterans of Foreign Wars State Commander Gary Anderson and the Department Staff Would like to wish you and yours a Happy and Safe Thanksgiving! NEW General Order Policy: We will no longer be ing the General Orders to Everyone Automatically. GOs are now being ed to the following: Council of Admin State Chairmen Finance Committee Past State Commanders All POST Official s ALL Post Commanders & Quartermasters Any other Post/District Officers Specifically Requesting them If you are NOT included in the above and WANT TO RECEIVE the ed GOs, please call or Dept. HQ with your Full Name, , Post Number and Position Get a haircut, Help A Hero during Sport Clips scholarships for veterans campaign (October 13, 2014) -- When you get a haircut at one of the more than 1,200 Sport Clips across the country, you can help a hero at the same time by donating to the company s Help A Hero program now through November 11, Veterans Day. Since 2007, the company has partnered with the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) to support service members, and last year, created the Sport Clips Help A Hero Scholarship program to help service members and veterans in the next chapter of their lives. Each scholarship provides up to $5,000 of assistance to service members and veterans who are pursuing an education at post-secondary institutions, including trade schools. Donations to Help A Hero will be collected in-store and at local fundraising events through November 11. In addition, Sport Clips will hold The Biggest Haircut Day of the Year on Veterans Day, when each store will donate a dollar from every haircut service to the VFW-administered scholarship Sport Clips is the official haircutter of the VFW, and its Help A Hero campaign is just one of the many ways it supports active-duty military and veterans. To find out more, visit your local Sport Clips or SportClips.com. General Orders 5 November 2014

6 MORE. Full Page Bulletins in THIS General Orders CMDR Anderson Homecoming Veterans Day Invitation Quartermaster Warning Charitable Assoc. Calendar Reminder IMPORTANT IRS ALERT- Retain Eligibility Records VFW Posts Failing to File IRS Form 990 MEMO- Using the Cross of Malta Auth. Request to Use Cross of Malta Ambassadors Program Partners in Patriotism Form Gopher Oversea r Ad Rates & Subscription Bulk Rate Form Legislative- End Budget Sequestration MidWinter Conference Schedule, AD FLYER, Housing & Banquet Forms Nat l Letter- Community Service Community Service Form Poppy Order Form Coloring Book Bulletin Gold Award Master Safety Entry Form Bus Safety Award Form Publications Contest Form Roster-Teacher of the Year Roster- V.O.D. & Patriot s Pen Roster- Youth Activities GO TO GENERAL SITE ACCESS: Midwinter Conference: Housing Form Banquet Form Schedule Book AD Form Blank Community Service form Other: Youth Contest Entry Forms Youth Athletic Entry Forms PASSWORD ACCESS ON POST RESOURCES : Reports Blank Community Service form Poppy Order Form Safety Entry Forms November 2014 FIRST DISTRICT Post 3833: Commander- Joel Boone, 813 N. Sprague St Apt. #1, Caledonia, MN FOURTH DISTRICT District Quartermaster: Vern Wehlage, 185 Century Trail, Lino Lakes, MN 55014, FIFTH DISTRICT Post 380: Commander Tim Kolhei, ROSTER CORRECTIONS SIXTH DISTRICT Post 1901: Quartermaster- Mark Brandt, 208 Danube Drive, Rockford, MN 55373, Post 8508: Commander- Richard Martin, SEVENTH DISTRICT Post 9625: Commander- Daniel Meyer, Grouse St., Coon Rapids, MN 55433, Post 5903: Jr. Vice Commander: Gary Motyka, 1718 Wildhurst Ln, Mound, MN 55364, EIGHTH DISTRICT Post 8831: All Officers- Commander- James Sellner, Maple Knoll Dr., Pengilly, MN 55775, Quartermaster- Raymond Bakken, PO Box 185, Pengilly, MN 55775, General Orders 6 November 2014

7 Adjutant- Marion Barta, th St NW, Aitkin, MN 56431, Senior Vice Commander- Daniel Marshall, PO Box 535, Coleraine, MN 55722, Service Officer- Michael Summers, Swan Lake Road, Pengilly, MN 55775, ROSTER CORRECTIONS (continued) NINTH DISTRICT Post 1223: Took in Post 5115 through Consolidation Post 5115: Consolidated into Post 1223 Post 6033: New Quartermaster- Daniel Thorson, 203 E. Hawk St., Audubon, MN 56511, Post 7052: Lyle Fenske, PO Box 410, Washkish, MN It is not too late to prepare a Buddy Poppy Display for your December District meeting. All displays entered in your December District meeting will be eligible for the Mid Winter Buddy Poppy Display contest. BUDDY POPPY Don t Forget the Poppy Price Increase Takes effect January 1, 2015: Due to National increasing their prices on Buddy Poppy s and Poppy Cans the Department of Minnesota Veterans of Foreign Wars will be increasing their prices on Buddy Poppies from $ per thousand to $ per thousand and on Poppy Cans from $1.10 to $1.15 per can. ~Submitted by James E. Rowe, Buddy Poppy Chair TEACHER OF THE YEAR November 1 st is the date all of your Teacher nominees are due at your local VFW Post level. Please have all entrees judged and sent on to your District Teacher of the Year Chairman by Nov. 15 th. Remember to honor your Post members who are teachers. Please be sure to have a nice head and shoulders photo of your winning teacher submitted with their complete package when submitting everything to district and department level. Please use the checklist in the Teachers Award Manual to make everything easy. If you have any questions about the Teacher of the Year program please call me at: All District winners are to be sent on to Department level for judging by December 15th to my address below: ~Submitted by Jeffrey Jarosz, Teacher of The Year Chair W. Vermillion NE, Ham Lake, MN Phone General Orders 7 November 2014

8 COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES LEGISLATIVE MEMBERSHIP Please READ the enclosed flyer highlighting National s take on the Community Service Forms! NOTE: CORRECT way to account for your service Acceptable vs. NOT Acceptable items to include These are NATIONAL S guidelines and must be followed Many Posts may find that they are not properly recording their service and may be in violation of their non-profit status. ~Submitted by Joe Mauricio, Community Service Chair & Department Jr. Vice Commander Comrades, Now that the election is over we need to start a dialog e with our elected officials, congratulate them and invite them down to your post for a visit. If they are newly elected get their contact information and ask to be put on their mailing list, introduce them to your post legislative chair. If they are an incumbent thank them for their past support and offer your input on Veterans legislation when needed. The VFW REMINDS CONGRESS "OUR NATION IS STILL AT WAR" ~Submitted by Tom McLaughlin, Legislative Chair Membership is going pretty good, we have eight posts over 100% and a number of posts that are over 95% very close to 100%, Good job keep up the work. This year National is providing a report New/Reinstate members by department from the previous year Last year on October total new and reinstate members was 492, as of October total new and reinstate member is 438 (minus 54 members). Please put an extra effort to contact all of your members by phone, personal contact, and , to get their dues. If they are having a hardship, you can pay their dues through your Post Relief Fund. It is getting close to Christmas; a Life Membership would be a great gift for anyone. We have 54 new Life Members so far keep up the good work. Department Headquarters has brochures and applications to help with recruiting Last but not least- DON T GET DISCOURAGED and GO FORTH AND RECRUIT! ~Submitted by Duane Hermanson, Membership Chair & Department Sr. Vice Commander General Orders 8 November 2014

9 VFW MEN S AUXILIARY YOU NEED ONLY 25 MEMBERS TO OBTAIN A CHARTER ELIGIBILITY HUSBANDS OF VETS, WIDOWERS OF VETS, FATHERS OF VETS, GRANDFATHERS OF VETS, SONS OF VETS, GRANDSONS OF VETS BROTHERS AND HALF BROTHERS OF VETS. ALL VETS WOULD HAVE TO HAVE BEEN ELIGIBLE TO JOIN THE VFW. MEN S AUXILIARY PROCEDURE AT YOUR NEXT MEETING YOU NEED TO GET A 2/3 VOTE FROM THE GENERAL MEMBERSHIP TO START A MEN S AUX. SEND A COPY OF THE MINUTES TO VFW DEPT OF MN. AND THEY WILL SEND YOU A STARTER KIT. YOUR STORY LET US KNOW WHAT YOUR AUX. IS DOING, WE WOULD LOVE TO SHARE YOUR SUCCESS STORIES VISIT THE MEN S AUX. PAGE ON THE STATE WEB. ~Submitted by John Anderson, Men s Auxiliary Liaison Chair WP0PIN@COMCAST.NET Greetings Comrades! Here is a look at the NEW scholarship program: The VFW and one of its major supporters, Sport Clips Haircuts, have again partnered to help our veterans and their families. The VFW's "Sport Clips Help A Hero Scholarship" will provide service members and veterans with the financial assistance they need to complete their educational goals without incurring excessive student loan debt. It s just another way to say thank you to those who deserve it the most. NATIONAL MILITARY SERVICE Scholarship Details: -Scholarships of up to $5,000 will be awarded to qualified applicants -Limited to one per family per semester -Applications for the 2015 spring semester are now being accepted -The deadline to apply for the 2015 spring semester is November 15 -Scholarships will be awarded for the spring 2015 semester by January 2015 General Orders 9 November 2014

10 -Scholarships must be used by the end of the school semester for which the veteran is applying or they will become null and void -Scholarships are restricted for tuition and fees only and will be paid directly to accredited schools NATIONAL MILITARY SERVICE (continued) Eligible Applicants Must: -Be a citizen of the United States -Be retired, honorably discharged, active duty, or a member of the National Guard or Reserve -Have completed Basic Training and follow-on training (Advanced Individual Training, Technical school, etc.) -Separated with or currently hold a military rank of E-5 or below -Demonstrate a need for financial assistance -Participate in, be accepted to or currently enrolled in a VA-approved program or school at an accredited post-secondary institution If selected, authorize the VFW and Sport Clips, Inc. to announce and publish award of your scholarship. If awarded a scholarship, the recipient's name, city, state, photograph and essay may be used for promotional purposes by the VFW and Sport Clips, Inc. without further consent from the recipient If attending an apprenticeship/certification program that is not starting during a traditional semester time frame, please HelpAHero@vfw.org for information. ~Submitted by Lee Bojarski, National Military Service Chair VFW ACTION CORPS WEEKLY October 10, 2015 POW / MIA 5. Seven WWII Airmen Recovered: The Defense POW/MIA Office announced the identification of remains belonging to seven Army Air Force airmen who had been missing in action since World War II. Identified are 1st Lts. William D. Bernier, 28, of Augusta, Mont., Bryant E. Poulsen, 22, of Salt Lake City, and Herbert V. Young Jr., 23, of Clarkdale, Ariz.; Technical Sgts. Charles L. Johnston, 20, of Pittsburgh, and Hugh F. Moore, 36, of Elkton, Md.; Staff Sgt. John E. Copeland, 21, of Dearing, Kan., and Sgt. Charles A. Gardner, 32, from San Francisco. On April 10, 1944, Bernier, along with 11 other B-24D Liberator bombers, took off on a mission to attack an antiaircraft site at Hansa Bay, New Guinea. Their aircraft was shot down. Four crewmen parachuted from the aircraft, but were reported to have died in captivity. Read their recovery story, and those of others, at ~Submitted by Dr. Jim Tuorila, POW / MIA Chair General Orders 10 November 2014

11 Pheasants For Hospitalized Veterans November 2014 It is, again, time for us all to open our hearts and give generously to the Pheasants for Hospitalized Veterans Program. We have many less fortunate comrades residing in Veteran s Hospitals and Homes. Let s think about them and what they have done for our country and us! Like most of us, many of our Veterans enjoyed seeing the changing of the leaves, colors of fall and hunting season. Now, these veterans can no longer go out into the fields to hunt. However, through your help and financial support, they can still enjoy a good mouthwatering pheasant dinner. PHEASANTS FOR HOSPITALIZED VETERANS Last year alone, 1,850 Pheasant Dinners were served in 14 different Veteran s facilities. Our hospitalized comrades really do enjoy these delicious dinners (Pheasant with all of the trimmings). Pheasants for Hospitalized Veterans, is a dedicated fund used for these dinners in the many Veterans Hospitals and Homes. Comrades, this is a Legal donation from your gaming funds. It is not often that we can use these funds to benefit our own Veterans. Let s dig a little deeper (in our pockets) to help out our less fortunate comrades. To those Posts who have nevergiven to this project, why not consider a donation this year? A huge THANKS to those Posts (and Auxiliaries) who have donated; and maybe, a word of encouragement to increase your donation this year (if possible). Remember, next year, it could be one of us in the hospital looking forward to this special event / meal. Please send your generous donations to: VFW Department of Minnesota Rice Street Station P.O. Box St. Paul, MN 55 Thank you for supporting our Hospitalized Veterans. ~Submitted by Michael H. Pierce, Pheasants for Hospitalized Veterans Chairman, Owatonna, MN General Orders 11 November 2014

12 For all Post Commanders and Safety Chairmen, now is the time to put your thinking caps on to nominate outstanding worthy candidates (or even departments!) in the following public servants areas: EMT / Firefighter / Law Enforcement. SAFETY All entries are due at Department Headquarters not later than January 1, 2015 (Bus Driver Due March 1 st 2015) ~Don Nix, Safety Chair & National Council Member IS YOUR POST UP TO HOSTING ONE OF THE NEW ACTIVITIES Archery TBD, Farmington Post #7662 (Farmington Post #7662 will Host 2016) Bean bag TBD, Alexandria Post #936 (Alexandria Post #936 will Host 2016) Bowling TBD, Mankato Post #950 will host 2015 (Mankato Post #950 will host 2016) Cribbage...March 12, 2015, Owatonna Post #3723 Fishing...Open for 2015 and Beyond VETERANS ACTIVITIES Golf...Aug. 8-9, 2015, Owatonna Post #3723 (Owatonna Post #3723 will host 2016) Horseshoes TBD, Fergus Falls Post #612 (Fergus Falls Post #612 will host 2016) Military Rifle Match...Open for 2015 and Beyond Pistol comp... Open for 2015 and Beyond Trap shooting..open 2015 and beyond ************************************************************************* NOTE: Contact the Veteran Activities Chairman in your District if you are interested in bidding any of the above events or would like more information on any of the events. ~Submitted by John Anderson, Veterans Activities Chair General Orders 12 November 2014

13 VETERANS DAY/ MEMORIAL DAY VOICE OF DEMOCRACY/ PATRIOT S PEN YOUTH ACTIVITIES Greetings Comrades: Moving on toward Memorial Day I will have a packet for each District Commander of the Medal of Honor recipients their Post may be named after. This packet will be distributed at the Midwinter Conference Council of Administration, as I have been informed I will not be teaching a course for that conference. If you have the information already please feel free to notify me via . The Department can still use donations for the Minnesota Veterans Affairs Breakfast at The Inver Grove Heights Community Center located at 8055 Barbara Ave., Inver Grove Heights, MN at 8:30Am with a program at 10 AM. The Commander will also be attending his Home districts Veterans day Program at 2 PM at the Minneapolis Veterans home. Keep your chins up, eyes on the target and Lead the Charge! ~Submitted Don LaCroix, Veterans and Memorial Day Chair Cell contact information donlacro@q.com Remember Your Deadlines! November 15 th Entry Form, Essay, Tape & Picture due to District (Along with your Post Program Report Form) December 6 th Entry Form, Essay, Tape & Picture due to Department **District Reports Due to Department Headquarters by Jan 15 th ** ~Submitted by Bob Harris, VOD/Patriot s Pen Chair We made several changes in the Baseball rules as well as the roster. Please check these as they get updated so that all of you will be in compliance next summer. One of the major changes was, ALL players and coaches will wear the VFW patch on their left sleeve. Please also note that ALL District and State Tournaments will be chaired by a VFW member. The Youth Committee, with approval of the C of A, awarded the 2016 Hockey to Dilworth Post They are also hosting the 2015 tourney. Baseball for 2016 was awarded to Fergus Falls Post 612. Please contact your District Chairman for further information or Rick Bugbee. ******************************************************************** BASEBALL: 2015 New Ulm Post #1648 HOCKEY: March 27-29, 2015 DILWORTH Post #1223 NOTE: Contact the Veteran Activities Chairman in your District if you are interested in bidding any of the above events or would like more information on any of the events. ~Submitted by Rick Bugbee, Youth Activities Chair General Orders 13 November 2014

14 COMMANDERS QUARTERMASTERS TRUSTEES WARNING!!! Taxes, Payroll Taxes and Other Post Debts Are YOUR Responsibility! Comrades, Recently, one of our Past Post Quartermasters was contacted relative to Unpaid Payroll Taxes. This Quartermaster allowed the Club Manager to handle the Financial transactions of the Club Operation --- and the Payroll Taxes. Over a year and a half, the Club Manager failed to pay the aforementioned Payroll Taxes. Long story short, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) recognizes the (in the VFW) Post Quartermaster as the Chief Financial/Fiduciary Officer of the Post. They therefore started repayment/retribution proceedings against that Post Quartermaster and his personal assets. It the past, the IRS, other agencies and Vendors have went after the assets of the Corporation or the Post. Times have changed, especially where Governmental Agencies are concerned! Additionally, they WILL prosecute that Officer in accordance of the Law. This includes jail or prison time and additional fines above the repayment of the debt. The Department of Minnesota, Veterans of Foreign Wars recommends that ALL Commanders, Quartermasters and Trustees stay on top of ALL Financial obligations of the Post, Club, Gambling or any other Financial commitments of subordinate Units. Additionally, we suggest that you contact your Accountant or a local Accountant to get a better understanding of the IRS and other Governmental Statutes as they apply to your various operations. To ALL Quartermasters --- YOU MUST BE IN CONTROL OF ALL YOUR ASSETS AND FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS --- as YOU are the Chief Financial Officer of the Post and the FIRST TARGET of agencies like the Internal Revenue Service.!!! Should you have any questions, PLEASE call at and we will do the best we can to help you. THANK YOU!! Yours In Comradeship, James R. Hesselgrave, State Adjutant-Quartermaster Department of Minnesota, VFW General Orders 14 November 2014

15 General Orders 15 November 2014

16 IMPORTANT ALERT Post Commander Post Quartermaster Post Adjutant Internal Revenue Service Requirement Dear Comrades, Recently in the News, the Internal Revenue Service Audited an American Legion Post. One of their requirements for maintaining a Non-Profit Veterans Organization, was to have a copy of EVERY member s Proof of Eligibility. Drastic you may say BUT, true! After consorting with the Wizards at our VFW National Headquarters, it has been determined, that ALL of our VFW Posts nationwide must conform to this IRS Requirement. BUT, rather than having a copy of every member s Discharge or DD-214, it was determined that the member s application for Membership would suffice. Therefore, it is requested (for the good of the Organization), that each Post UPDATE their Membership Records for each member of their Post. According to Section 218 (Duties of the Post Adjutant) of the National By-Laws and Manual of Procedure, A copy of the original application of every member admitted to the Post shall be maintained by the Post Adjutant. This has always been a requirement under the National By-Laws and each Post Adjutant should be prepared to share those records with the Post Officers, members and (if Audited) the Internal Revenue Service. NOW, if these applications (records) are not up-to-date, it is recommended that the Post Adjutant send a letter, containing a Membership Application, to each Member. Ask them to complete the application. Especially that information concerning their Military Service and their eligibility for the Veterans of Foreign Wars. Stay on top of this until you have each and every member s application completed. Please keep this file up-to-date and accessible to your Post Officers and Trustees. In the future, the Post Inspector may be required to view these records. For additional information on the aforementioned and your status as a 501-c-19 entity under IRS Code, please request or download a copy of IRS Publication (A portion of Pages are highlighted below.) B. IRC 501(c)(19) What records must be maintained to show the composition of membership? A post must maintain a list of members and the category of membership (veteran, degree of relation or nonveteran or non-relative). If a post receives deductible contributions, it must also maintain a list of members, their dates of service, whether they are war veterans as defined in 170(c)(3), and if not, whether they are spouses, widows, or widowers of war veterans, veterans or cadets. Should you have any questions or concerns, please call the State Adjutant Quartermaster at or mnvfw@vfwmn.us. THANK YOU!!! Yours in Comradeship, James Hesselgrave, State Adjutant Quartermaster Department of Minnesota, VFW General Orders 16 November 2014

17 VFW POSTS FAILING TO FILE IRS FORM 990 Points regarding VFW Posts that have lost (or may lose) their Tax-Exempt status for failure to file Form 990 with the IRS: Any Post that has lost its tax-exempt status should regain its tax-exempt status as soon as possible. This is accomplished by filing an IRS Form 1023 and paying any applicable fees. Apply to retroactively reinstate your tax-exempt status to the date that the taxexempt status was lost. Failure of Post to get its tax-exempt status reinstated: The IRS would view this organization as a For-Profit Organization. The Post would probably be required to file a Corporate tax return. Any revenue that the Post receives would potentially be subject to a corporate tax rate. This revenue would include: a. Dues revenue b. Investment Income c. Rental income d. Buddy Poppy revenue e. And any other forms of revenue that are generated Failure to file the proper corporate tax return would potentially subject the Post to unpaid tax liabilities. The Post could also be assessed large fines and penalties for failure to file a tax return and pay any potential corporate taxes. As is the case with unpaid Payroll taxes, the IRS will first go after the Personal Assets of the Post Quartermaster and Commander.. The Post will also not be eligible to receive tax deductible contributions from donors. This could create potential tax issues for any donor who makes a contribution to the Post without knowing the Post has lost its tax-exempt status. Needless to say, this is NOT a situation that you want to put your Post and Officers in, especially when it is easily avoided. The Veterans of Foreign Wars has been alerting our Posts to the need to file a 990 since The Internal Revenue gave all Non-Profits at least three (3) years to comply with the new regulations. It wasn t until 2010 or 2011, when the IRS started revoking the Non- Profit status of our VFW Posts. So very few of us have any excuses. Should your Post have questions or need assistance, please contact Department Headquarters at and ask for the State Quartermaster. General Orders 17 November 2014

18 General Orders 18 November 2014

19 General Orders 19 November 2014

20 Department of Minnesota Claims Service Office Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building 1 Federal Drive, Suite G900 St. Paul, MN Phone Founded 1899 Dear Veteran, Thank you for selecting the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States (VFW) as your representative on your recent Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) claim for service connected disabilities. The VFW is an organization of veterans advocates dedicated to making sure you receive the maximum entitlement under the law. We now request that you assist your fellow veteran, and their families, by referring them to us for assistance as well. Many veterans or their dependents never file for their earned benefits simply because they do not know what they are entitled to. Did you know that Iraq and Afghanistan veterans are entitled to health care from VA for five years following discharge? We encourage all Iraq and Afghanistan veterans to enroll in the VA health care system. Enrollment can be done by going to the nearest VA Medical Center or by applying online at and filling out a form 10-10EZ. Did you know that the disabilities most frequently granted service connection by VA are bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus (ringing in the ears). The maximum rating for tinnitus is 10 percent. But, what that 10 percent service connected rating means is the veteran is entitled to health care, eyeglasses, and hearing aids at a VA facility. Once a veteran has a service connected rating of 30 percent or more, they can add their dependents to their monthly benefits. When rated 50 percent or more, veterans are entitled to free medication and treatment for all conditions at a VA facility. A 70 percent or more service connected rating entitles the veteran to free nursing home care through a VA medical center, and includes private nursing homes with which VA has contracts. When a veteran is rated service connected 100 percent, they are entitled to dental care. If you know of a veteran who set foot on land in Vietnam, they are presumed exposed to Agent Orange. If they are diagnosed with diabetes; cancer of the lung, larynx, trachea, bronchus, or prostate; ischemic heart disease; Parkinson s disease; or, B Cell Leukemia, they should contact us to file a claim for compensation. General Orders 20 November 2014

21 The VFW is NOT a government agency! As a veterans service organization we are there for veterans, military personnel, and their dependents, and firmly believe that all claimants should receive the maximum benefit entitled under the law. We review all decisions made by VA to determine whether the decision is proper. We discuss any problems found with VA and ask VA to fix them. During that review, we also look for any other entitled benefits. We make sure that all laws and regulations were applied and if the correct effective date was assigned. We train our service officers to assure they are kept up-to-date on the current laws, regulations and court decisions that affect veterans benefits. The VFW supports our deployed troops with care packages and free phone connections so active duty military can call home to their loved ones. We pay visits to our troops overseas to make sure that their needs are being met. We are there to welcome those troops when they return home and assist them in filing their VA claims paperwork. We also are the premier advocate in Washington, D.C. for all veterans, military personnel, and their families. The VFW veterans service program is funded by our membership and we ask you to consider joining our ranks. The campaign or service medal you earned for honorable service overseas in the U.S. military during time of conflict qualifies you for membership in the VFW. Enclosed are a pamphlet and membership application. We would appreciate if you would become a member of our organization. A strong VFW membership allows us to continue to assist and advocate for you and your fellow veterans in their claims for VA benefits and in the halls of Congress. Your completed membership application can be returned to The Department of Minnesota, VFW, Rice Street Station, P.O. Box 17146, St. Paul, MN 55117, or you can apply in person at a local VFW Post or by going online at If you have questions concerning VFW membership, please call (651) We realize that there are some veterans who are not interested in becoming a member of a veterans service organization, but who still appreciate what we have done for them in their claim for benefits. These individuals can still help us by making a donation to our service program. If you decide to make a donation, you should make your check payable to VFW Veterans Service Fund, and send to The Department of Minnesota, VFW, Rice Street Station, P.O. Box 17146, St. Paul, MN We realize that many organizations are looking for donations, but what is more important than taking care of our veterans, and we have only one goal: to help every veteran receive his or her maximum entitled benefit. Regardless of where you filed your claim, we are all in this together and we need your help. Your support is vital to us meeting the needs of our veterans; membership enables us to help other veterans, just as we helped you. At the VFW, our motto is: No One Does More For Veterans. Sincerely, Jon Gohn Minnesota VFW Department Service Officer General Orders 21 November 2014

22 Veterans of Foreign Wars Ambassador Program The Definition of an Ambassador is, an authorized representative or messenger. This is what we all are as Veterans of Foreign Wars Members. Every time we go out in the public or the public comes to us. WE ALL represent our great Organization, Is what they are seeing a good or bad thing? I WILL have events across the State of Minnesota where Qualified and Knowledgeable Members will be on hand with the local Post and District. However I can not do it all myself! This Organization was built on its grassroots. It is by our local Post that we will continue the good work of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and keep our organization alive. Each event our Post or District attend the Department will pay up too $100 of the cost of space. Here are a few examples: Cost to have a table at fair $50 Department pays you $50 Cost to have two table at fair $100- Department pays you $100 Cost to have a Table at a trade show is $120 Department pays you $100 All Payouts are contingent on the Post-District Sending in the Receipt for the event to the Department Quartermaster for review. Also, yes this is a Membership drive BUT your Post should also be focusing on all of our great programs that will show the public our organization is worth their Membership, Such as: *Veterans Service *Legislative Service *National Military Services *Buddy Poppy *National Security & Foreign Affairs *VFW Action Corps *Youth Development, Scholarship & Recognition *Citizenship Education & Community Services Department Headquarters will have all available information available upon reasonable request. If you have any other questions call the Department Quartermaster at General Orders 22 November 2014

23 Department Of Minnesota Veterans of Foreign Wars Ambassador Program Reimbursement Form Post/District; Main Point of Contact: Main Point of Contact Number and Event Name: Dates of Event: Estimated Event Attendance: Number of Members Participating: Cost of Booth Space: Your own thought on things that can be done better at events: If you have any Questions call Department Headquarters at or at Please Send this document with all receipts to: Department of Minnesota, VFW Rice Street Station PO Box Saint Paul, MN ***All Payouts will be made to the Post** General Orders 23 November 2014

24 GIVE MONTHLY TO HELP OUR HEROES Partners in Patriotism is a win-win monthly giving program created to make things more convenient for you and allow us to do the best job we possibly can for America s sons and daughters. Partners in Patriotism is the most efficient way to help our proud veterans, service members and their families. When you sign up, you support life-changing programs every month of the year. A great way to show you care! Partners in Patriotism: Keeps administrative costs down so more money goes to programs. Allows for better budget planning and program funding to help more veterans, service members and their families. Cuts down the amount of mail you receive. You will only receive the VFW Supporter Quarterly newsletter. Sign Up Today! NAME PHONE # ( ) ADDRESS ADDRESS City StAtE ZIP i do not wish to receive AdditionAl updates from vfw. ChooSE how you donate Option 1: Credit Card visa mastercard Discover American Express ACCount number EXp. date Amount to be charged: $ monthly quarterly annually m inimum amount is $10.00, processed on/or around the 20th of the month. Option 2: Checking Account Deduction Please send us a voided check along with the completed information below and return it to: vfw national headquarters 406 west 34th Street, Suite 718 Kansas City, mo Amount to be charged: $ monthly quarterly annually m inimum amount is $10.00, processed on/or around the 20th of the month. Option 3: Bill Me Choose your billing frequency: monthly quarterly annually Amount to be billed: $ SignAturE SignAturE date date return this form to vfw national headquarters, 406 west 34th Street, Suite 718, Kansas City, mo or fax to (816) Questions? please call (816) , x6318. Thank you! General Orders 24 November 2014

25 VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS OF THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF MINNESOTA RICE STREET STATION PO BOX ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA Fax: Web page: The Gopher Oversea r is the official Veterans of Foreign Wars Print in Minnesota. We Publish our paper three times a year to nearly fifty thousand Veterans in Minnesota. Our paper is four columns wide and fifteen inches deep. Please see rate chart below: Colum Depth in Inches Columns Width one two three four five 1 column 2 1/4 $40 $80 $120 $160 $200 2 column 4 3/4 $80 $160 $240 $320 $400 3 column 7 1/2 $120 $240 $360 $480 $600 4 column 10 $160 $320 $480 $640 $800 How To Provide Us With Your Ad The Gopher Oversea r is published electronically on our computers in house. Our Editor imports your electronic file directly into the newspaper. We prefer you to send all ads in TIFF or PDF format. All necessary font and graphic files relating to the ad must be included with your file. Image resolution needs to be no less then 300 dots per inch (dpi). PDF files, please embed complete fonts (not subsets) and graphics. Please do not enable any password protection or security block when creating a PDF. Convert all RGB or CMYK color to a Grayscale Format. All ads must be Camera Ready. If they are not you will be charged as additional twenty five dollars. **Before you send us any money be sure to talk to the Editor and make sure space is available and your Ad meets our requirements above** The Deadlines for Ads in this years Papers are: July 28, 2014 November 24, 2014 March 30, 2015 *all dates are subject to change Please call us directly about payments, ad space, insert rates and non profit discounted rate. Thank you, Lee Bojarski Assistant State Adjutant Phone: (651) Fax: (651) Bojarski@vfwmn.us General Orders 25 November 2014

26 Bulk Post Oversea r Rate ATTN: All VFW Post The Oversea'r would like to offer your Post a bulk annual rate. The current Individual Subscription rate is $5 annually (every member receives on free). We are offering a discount for all Post to have extra copies on hand at your Post home or at events you Post attends. The Post Bulk Subscription Rate will be $40 for 1 subscription Annually (1 Post Subscription is worth 10 Individual Subscriptions). Cost Comparison Chart Individual VS Bulk Auxiliary Subscription Type Number of Subscriptions Total Number of Oversea'rs Cost Individual Subscription 10 Bulk Subscription 1 (Worth 10 Individual Subscriptions) $50 $40 YOU SAVE $10 WITH THE BULK RATE!! With this discount your Post will be saving 20% off the cover price. This will not only have Minnesota VFW specific information, but it can also be used as a recruiting tool for perspective Members. **If you order them by November 20, 2014 you will be receiving the Next Edition of the Oversea r** If you have any questions please call Lee Bojarski at or him at Bojarski@vfwmn.us Thank you! Mail this Form to: Department of Minnesota, VFW Rice Street Station PO Box Saint Paul, MN **In the form below all Oversea rs will be delivered too the address provided** Post Name and Number: Address: Amount Enclosed (circle one) 1 Sub (Annually) 2 Sub (Annually) $40 $80 3 Sub (Annually) $120 Make All Checks payable to: Department of Minnesota, VFW City: 4 Sub (Annually) $160 (ATTN Oversea r in Memo) State and Zip: 5 Sub (Annually) $200 General Orders 26 November 2014

27 General Orders 27 November 2014

28 VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS - DEPARTMENT OF MINNESOTA MIDWINTER CONFERENCE January 23-24, 2015 (Tentative Schedule- Updated 9/19) FRIDAY - JANUARY 23, 2015: 12:00-6:30 P.M. Registration and Banquet Tickets Coatroom 1:00 P.M. Auxiliary Hospital Board Meeting Deer /Elk 1:00 P.M. V.F.W. Finance Committee Chase Boardroom 1:00 P.M. Club Committee Crystal Lake 2:30-4:30 P.M. Gambling Seminar Ballroom 3 & 4 2:30 P.M. Auxiliary Budget Meeting Deer/Elk 3:30 P.M. Auxiliary Membership/Recruiter Meeting Ballroom 1 & 2 6:00 P.M. V.F.W. Council of Administration Ballroom 3 & 4 6:30 P.M. Auxiliary Council Meeting Ballroom 1 & 2 SATURDAY - JANUARY 24, 2015: 7:00-9:00 A.M. Register Poppy Displays Atrium 7:00 A.M. 3:00 P.M. Registration and Banquet Tickets Coatroom 8:00 A.M. 3:00 P.M. Displays Atrium & Pre-Function 9:00 A.M. Auxiliary Conference Meeting Ballroom 1 & 2 VFW Seminars and Committee Meetings 8:00 A.M. Legislative Minnesota Room V.F.W. Finance Committee Chase Boardroom Service Officers School St. Croix I MIA/POW Pine/Cedar Americanism - Loyalty Day Elk Lake Community Service/Hospital/Blood Deer Lake Youth Activities Birch/Maple 9:00 A.M. Membership & Recruiters Ballroom 3 & 4 10:00 A.M. Quartermasters Ballroom 3 & 4 10:00 A.M. V.F.W. and Auxiliary Poppy Committees Elk Lake 10:00 A.M. National Military Service Pine/Cedar 10:00 A.M. Veterans Activities Birch/Maple 10:00 A.M. By-Laws Committee Chase Boardroom 10:00 A.M. Social Media & Websites Deer Lake 11 A.M. -12:30 P.M. Steak & Bean Feed (Invitation Only) St Croix II 11:00 A.M. District Poppy Chairmen meeting Elk Lake 12:00 Noon Past Department President's Luncheon Minnesota Room 1:00 P.M. V.F.W. Council of Administration Ballroom 3 & 4 1:30 P.M. Auxiliary Conference Meeting Ballroom 1 & 2 1:30 P.M. Men's Auxiliary Meeting Deer Lake 2:30-4:30 P.M. District VOD Winners Party St. Croix I 3:00 P.M. Take down Poppy Displays 4:00 P.M. Church Service Elk Lake 6:00 P.M. District V.O.D. Winners Reception Pine/Cedar/Birch 6:00 P.M. Banquet Reception (Cash Bar) Atrium 6:00 P.M. Head Table Guest Assembly Deer/Elk 6:45 P.M. Banquet Doors Open 7:00 P.M. Grand Banquet Grand Ballroom General Orders 28 November 2014

29 MIDWINTER CONFERENCE SOUVENIR PROGRAM BOOKLET The 2013 Midwinter Conference will offer Posts a discount for advertising in the Souvenir Program Booklet for the Midwinter Conference. The Booklet will contain pictures of the District Voice of Democracy Winners, listing of the prizes and many other pages of interest. The Booklet will also include the full program for the Midwinter Conference. For inside front cover or inside back cover ads, call or write VFW State Headquarters for special price quote. First come - First served in choosing the page for advertising. The Booklet is an excellent opportunity to advertise your Post or a Candidate for State Office - Be it for VFW, Auxiliary or MOC. This book will be a "keeper" - ideal for autographs - a scrapbook keepsake.. ADVERTISING RATES FOR V.F.W. STATE, DISTRICT, AND POSTS FOR THE MIDWINTER BOOK. PAGE SIZE RATES FULL PAGE (5 X 8 ) $ HALF PAGE * $ QUARTER PAGE * $ ALL ADDS MUST BE SCANNER/CAMERA READY. IF THEY ARE NOT YOU WILL BE REQUIERED TO PAY AN ADDITIONAL $10. IF YOU DO NOT, YOUR AD WILL GO IN AS WE RECEIVED IT. IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS,PLEASE CALL DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS AT MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO: Department of MN, VFW AND MAIL TO: Dept of Minnesota Veterans of Foreign Wars Rice Street Station PO Box St Paul, MN DEADLINE DATE FOR BOOKLET: December 15th, 2014 *Please See Reverse Side for Ad Layout and tips General Orders 29 November 2014

30 Things you should think about while making an ad!! Is my add layout correct? -A full page is just that: 5 x 8. -For a Half page layout and a Quarter page is at the bottom of this document. How can I guarantee the best Quality for my ad? -Send it to us electronically either in a CD or . -If you send it in hard copy, print your ad in the highest quality setting your printer can go and have it print in a gray scale NOT color. Also try not to fold your ad. -It is always advisable to send us originals not copies. Does my Ad look good in a Gray Scale? -Light colors such as red and yellow do not look good in a gray scale. Are the quality of my ad pictures good? -The higher quality of picture you have the better we can make your ad look. Is my Ad formatted correctly? -We accept Word, Publisher, JPEG and Tiff. Any questions please call Whole Page Ad 7 1/2 x 4 1/2 OR 4 1/2 x 7 1/2 ONLY $125 Half Page Ad 4 1/2 x 3 3/4 Only $75 Quarter Page Ad 2 1/4 X 3 3/4 Only $45 General Orders 30 November 2014

31 Minnesota Veterans of Foreign Wars Midwinter Conference - January 23-24, 2015 Minneapolis Marriott City Center 30 South 7 th Street, Minneapolis, MN You MUST use this form provided by the Department of MN, VFW to receive the special VFW rate. Name (Please PRINT in Boxes) Address: City: State: Zip: Affiliation: Arrival Date: Phone Departure Date: Sharing room with: Please reserve a: ( ) $83 ea. ( ) $83 ea. ( ) $83 ea. ( ) $83 ea. Room/Bed type: ( ) King ( ) Two Double Beds Parking: City Center Ramp- $21 for Thurs. & Sun. and approx. $16 a day for Fri. & Sat. (Subj. to Change) All requests for reservations must be received by December 31, Please include first night's deposit to guarantee your reservation. In the event that a guaranteed reservation is not cancelled prior to 6:00 p.m. on your arrival date, one night's room and tax will be deducted from your deposit or billed through your credit card. Special group rates and accommodations are based on availability. Checkout time is 12:00 noon. Guest rooms will be available after 3:00 p.m. All rooms subject to applicable taxes. PLEASE REMEMBER --- Make your check or money order payable to the Minneapolis Marriott City Center. Please do not send currency. Reservations will be held until 6:00 p.m. unless guaranteed by one night's deposit. Credit Card Type (circle one): Visa Mastercard Discover American Express Card Number: Expiration Date: Signature: Check # for one (1) night made out to the Minneapolis Marriot City Center Money Order for one (1) night made out to the Minneapolis Marriot City Center YES - I would like to receive an confirming my Reservations. My address is: MAIL RESERVATIONS DIRECTLY TO MARRIOTT CITY CENTER! NO RESERVATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED BY PHONE General Orders 31 November 2014

32 Error! 112 th Annual Midwinter Banquet Saturday, January 24, 2015 Minneapolis Marriott City Center MENU: Mixed Greens Salad with Apples, Pears, Walnuts, Cheddar & Apple Cider Vinaigrette Beef Short Ribs with Red Wine Demi Mashed Potatoes, Asparagus and Roasted Carrots Bread Basket & Artisan Butter Alternating Chocolate Indulgence Cake & Lemon Italian Cream Cake TICKETS: $27.00 Reception: 6:00 P.M. Dinner: 7:00 P.M. Naming of Voice of Democracy, Patriot's Pen & Teacher of the Year Winners MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO: Department of MN, V.F.W. NO TICKETS WILL BE MAILED OUT PLEASE PICK THEM UP AT THE REGISTRATION DESK Ticket orders will be stamped with date of receipt and filled in that order. FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED. Tickets will bear a table number and orders will be filled as received. Tickets will be reserved under the name of the person designated on the order form. THE ONLY WAY TO KEEP POST AND AUXILIARY DELEGATES TOGETHER IS TO ORDER THE TICKETS AT THE SAME TIME- This goes for V.O.D. Chairmen (at ALL levels), Post Officers, etc. Most Posts and Auxiliaries have followed a practice of purchasing a pair of tickets for their Commander and President as a gesture of appreciation for their efforts during the year. This makes it possible for them to meet with others who have shared similar responsibilities and challenges. Please be sure to include your Men's Auxiliary also. Clip and mail Deadline: January 15, 2015 BANQUET RESERVATION Saturday, January 24, 2015 Please reserve tickets at $27.00 each. Enclosed is Check # for $. NAME: Send ticket order form and check to: V.F.W. State Headquarters Rice Street Station PO Box St Paul, MN Deadline: January 15, 2015 PHONE # POST/AUXILIARY # DISTRICT # CITY: Please list ALL people for this Reservation Up to 10 (Include their positions if applicable) SPECIAL NOTES or DIETARY REQUESTS: General Orders 32 November 2014

33 IMPORTANT Community Service Reporting Guidelines As described by V.F.W. National Headquarters (The following was taken from a Memorandum regarding Department Community Service Reporting dated October 2014 from the National Director of VFW Programs) In addition, efforts performed for the benefit of the Post or Auxiliary s should not be considered community service. An example of this type of effort would be maintenance, upkeep or beautification of the Post home, cooking or serving a meal for a Post fundraiser, or working on bingo night. Additionally, efforts that are part of the normal requirements of a Post or Auxiliary would not be considered community service. Examples of this would be providing an honor guard for a member s funeral, flying the American Flag, and conducting Flag retirement programs (unless this is performed for the entire community). A particularly controversial area in VFW community service is service to one s church. Generally, these efforts are not considered community service for two reasons: 1) they are not performed for the community at large; 2) they are part of an individual s service to their faith and not to the VFW. The exception to this would be performing the same service for all the churches, etc. in a given community. TAKE SPECIAL NOTE DEPARTMENT CHAIRMEN PLEASE SHARE WITH YOUR POSTS Analysis of the most recent Community Service Reports revealed that too many Posts are not clear on how community service hours and dollars should be reported. HOURS: When the Post reports to the Department, they should list the hours of community service performed by the Post, affiliated Cootie Scratch, Ladies Auxiliary, Men s Auxiliary, Sons of the VFW and Junior Girls for that reporting period. Only volunteer service hours benefiting the community are to be reported. Volunteer hours committed to projects and activities benefiting the Post and its affiliated units listed above cannot be reported. MONEY: The money that should be reported are the dollars donated or expended by the members in the performance of the community service hours reported, plus $.14 per mile for each mile driven by the volunteers. DO NOT REPORT: The value of the hours worked is a calculation made at the national level only. Posts and Departments should never report any figures derived from the value of hours worked. IMPORTANCE OF ACCURATE REPORTING: It is of the utmost importance that VFW Posts report their volunteer hours and especially their donations accurately. A Post that inflates the amounts of money they donate, intentionally or otherwise, may place their not-for-profit status in jeopardy. General Orders 33 November 2014

34 DEPARTMENT OF MINNESOTA, V.F.W PROGRAMS MONTHLY REPORT FORM (Reporting Year: April 1 March 31) (Use this form to report each Calendar month s activities.) District # Post/Auxiliary # REPORT for the calendar month of: PREPARED Phone #: Year: Title: Address: (One JOINT report per month) The following Community Activity Projects have been completed during this Calendar month: A. AMERICANISM AND COOPERATION WITH OTHER ORGANIZATIONS: 1 Organized and Assisted in Fund Drives (March of Dimes, Muscular Dystrophy, etc) Describe: Hours # Members: $ Flag Presentation or Education Describe: Hours # Members: $ Distribution of Literature Describe: Hours # Members: $ P.O.W./M.I.A. Program Describe: Hours # Members: $ Loyalty, Memorial Day, Pearl Harbor, Veterans Day Describe: Hours # Members: $ Other Americanism Projects Describe: CAT A B. SAFETY: 7 Pedestrian Safety Describe: Hours # Members: $ Hours # Members Amount 8 9 Drug Awareness Describe: Recreational Safety Describe: Hours # Members: $ Hours # Members: $ Hours # Members: $ MONTH YEAR General Orders 34 November 2014

35 Highway Safety Describe: Hours # Members: $ Home and Fire Safety Describe: Hours # Members: $ Other Safety Projects Describe: CAT B C. AID TO OTHERS: 13 Senior Citizens Describe: Hours # Members: $ Hours # Members Amount 14 Members/Family Describe: Hours # Members: $ Hours # Members: $ Community Involvement & Recognition Describe: Hours # Members: $ Other Aid & Other Projects Describe: Hours # Members: $ CAT C Hours # Members Amount D. SCHOOL AND CHURCH ASSISTANCE 17 Volunteerism in School Describe: 18 Hours # Members: $ Other School or Church Projects Describe: Hours # Members: $ CAT D Hours # Members Amount E. YOUTH 19 Sports Organizations Describe: 20 Voice of Democracy Describe: Hours # Members: $ Hours # Members: $ General Orders 35 November 2014

36 21 Youth Essay Describe: MONTH YEAR 22 Other Describe: Hours # Members: $ Hours # Members: $ CAT E Hours # Members Amount SUBTOTALS (Categories A, B, C, D and E) Hours # Members Amount THESE FIGURES SHOULD BE ADDED TO CATEGORY F AND PUT ON PAGE (3) F. HOSPITAL/ BLOOD: 23. (Report Activities for this month only.) DATE PROJECTS & DESCRIPTIONS DONATIONS & SERVICES PINTS OF BLOOD TOTAL HOURS TOTAL MILES # OF MEMBERS # OF PATIENTS VISITED COLUMN TOTALS: DOLLAR VALUES: To be added to 25, 26 and 27 below. Add Total above to: PLEASE RETURN TO: X $75 X $.14 $ - $ - Line 27 Line 27 Line 25 Line 27 Line 26 TOTALS FROM CATEGORIES A, B, C, D, E, AND F THE FOLLOWING MUST BE FILLED OUR OR NO CREDIT WILL BE GIVEN!!!! Number of hours members donated to complete projects on this report. Total numbers of members actively involved in completing projects on Total amount of monies used/donated to complete projects on this report. Joe Mauricio Community Service Rice Street Station- PO Box St Paul, MN MONTHLY REPORT DEADLINE: This form MUST BE Postmarked by the 20 th day of the following month and into the Department Office no later than the 25 th. General Orders 36 November 2014

37 VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS OF THE UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF MINNESOTA NEW POPPY ORDER FORM Date POST/AUXILIARY LOCATION NO. DISTRICT Poppy Department Department of Minnesota, V.F.W. Rice Street Station, P.O. Box St. Paul, MN Please place our order for the following: Buddy Poppies $ per 1,000. $ Buddy Poppy $ per 5,000*.. $ *Poppy Parts will only ship in quantities of 5,000 and WILL NOT be broken up Poppy cards, $1.00 each (For re-sale to merchants).... $ Poppy coin $1.10 each.. $ Poppy promotion $.30 each $ Poppy promotion $.30 each.... $ "Buddy Poppy" MEMORIAL $4.50 each.... $ Story of the "Buddy $6.50 sold only in pkg of $ TOTAL AMOUNT OF ORDER $ Ship the above to: Title Address: (Street No., Rte.No., etc. **NO PO BOX**) (Town and State) (Zip) PLEASE NOTE: Poppy orders are shipped via UPS. To avoid delay, please give a street address or route number. U.P.S. CANNOT DELIVER TO A POST OFFICE BOX. Signed **Important information to fill out on the back. IF you do not complete this information, your order will not be shipped until January 1 st ** Title FOR DEPARTMENT USE ONLY: Date received Date recorded Date shipped Partial shipment Order completed Date Paid/Invoiced Revised August 28, 2014 General Orders 37 November 2014

38 IMPORTANT None of this Material will be included with your order unless requested PLEASE INDICATE HOW MANY, IF ANY, YOU NEED OF THE ITEMS LISTED BELOW. THERE IS NO CHARGE FOR THIS PROMOTIONAL MATERIAL. REQUEST ALL YOU NEED, BUT NO MORE THAN YOU WILL USE. POPPY DEPARTMENT Department of Minnesota, V.F.W. Please include the following with our Poppies: QUANTITY ITEM Arm bands "Help for the promotion worker". Hints on how to do a more effective job of promoting Poppies. Pledge cards. Receipt books will be furnished automatically at no additional cost with each order of 25 easel-back cards. This receipt can be used by the merchant as proof of a TAX-DEDUCTIBLE CONTRIBUTION. Please Fill out the below information. **If you do not fill it out your shipment will be filled after January 1st** When do you need your orders (Circle one) A-Immediately (Ships same day UPS *NO PO BOX*) B-Within in a Month or write in a date below C- After January 1 st (Will ship first in first out) Preferred Delivery method (Circle One 1-Ship via UPS (*NO PO BOX*) 2-Pickup Directly at Department Headquarters **Poppy Cards may be shipped separately** Revised August 28, 2014 General Orders 38 November 2014

39 * * * * * RULES FOR V.F.W. COLOR BOOK CONTEST IN SCHOOLS * * * * * 1. Show sample of the color book to grade school principal for the approval to distribute to 1st, 2nd or 3rd graders for the coloring contest. 2. After determining the number of students in the grades suggested by the principal or teachers, immediately order that number of books from VFW State Headquarters, Rice Street Station - PO Box 17146, St. Paul, MN The cost is only $.50 per book, plus postage. 3. After the coloring book contest is approved by the principal and teachers, determine if the Post and/or Auxiliary should provide the judges. We should offer to provide the judges so as not to overburden the teachers. 4. When choosing judges, most likely in your Post, Auxiliary or the local neighborhood, you could find two or three judges who have some knowledge of art or education. Be sure to avoid any conflict - don t choose judges who have students in the grades being judged in the color book contest. 5. FOR PRIZES: 1st, 2nd and 3rd place ribbons now cost a fortune, instead you might consider prizes of silver dollars. Example: $3.00 First prize; $2.00 Second Prize and $1.00 Third Prize. General Orders 39 November 2014

40 V.F.W (Safety) Gold Medal Award Guidelines **Nomination Deadline: January 1, 2015** V.F.W. J. EDGAR HOOVER GOLD MEDAL AWARD-Law Enforcement A Law Enforcement Officer is as a Municipal Police Officers, County Sheriffs, County Deputy Sheriffs, Highway Patrol Officers, Secret Service Personnel, FBI Agents, and Treasury Department The J. Edgar Hoover Gold Medal Award is presented so that those brave and honest men and women in the field of Law Enforcement might know that their dedication and goodwill are appreciated. And, we also hope; that by making such an award, those who would subvert the law and order of our land, might know and learn that their rights and privileges are also protected by those they so harshly criticize. The criteria: 1. Contribution to the preservation and perpetuation of the ideals of law and justice upon which our government is based; 2. Recognition by his colleagues of his service, whether that service be one of quiet dedication or one of achieving wide publicity, to the best and highest interest of the Nation, his community and law and order; 3. Unswerving loyalty to, and active performance in, the defense and security of the nation against its foes, within and without; 4. Dedication to his official responsibilities over a period of years and continuous growth in his responsibility and experience, not only in the fields of law enforcement, but in those fields which encompass the community, the state and the nation, and those fields of human relationship. V.F.W. FIREFIGHTER GOLD MEDAL AWARD The Firefighter Gold Medal Award is presented so that those brave and honest men and women in the field of firefighting might know that their dedication and good will are appreciated. And, we also hope, that by making such an award, our fellow citizens will be reminded of the special efforts and sacrifices made by this nation's many firemen. The criteria: 1. Recognition by colleagues of their service, whether that service be one of quiet dedication or one achieving wide publicity, to the best and highest interest of the nation and the community; 2. Unswerving loyalty to, and active performance in, the defense, safety and security of the nation's citizens; on a full-time or a volunteer basis; 3. Dedication to their official responsibilities over a period of years and continuous growth in responsibility and experience, not only in fields within fire safety but in those fields which safeguard the community, the state and the nation. V.F.W. EMERGENCY TECHNICIAN GOLD MEDAL AWARD The Emergency Medical Technician Gold Medal Award is presented so that those brave and honest men and women in the field of emergency service might know that their dedication and good will are appreciated. And, we also hope, that by making such an award, our fellow citizens will be reminded of the special efforts and sacrifices made by this nation's many emergency medical technicians. The criteria: 1. Recognition by colleagues of their service, whether that service be one of quiet dedication or one achieving wide publicity, to the best and highest interest of the nation and the community; 2. Unswerving loyalty to, and active performance in, the defense, safety and security of the nation's citizens; on a full-time or a volunteer basis; 3. Dedication to their official responsibilities over a period of years and continuous growth in responsibility and experience, not only in fields within fire or emergency safety but in those fields which safeguard the community, the state and the nation. The Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, in presenting the above awards to the Public Safety Community, appreciates the fact that there are many members of the community throughout the nation who meet these rigorous standards. It is our hope that by granting this distinguished award, the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States will call national attention not only to the dedicated services of the recipient, but to all those other deserving who share the attributes and accomplishments for which the Gold Medal Award represents. **See Reverse Side for Nomination Form** General Orders 40 November 2014

41 NOMINEE INFORMATION SHEET V.F.W. DEPARTMENT OF Name of Nominee Title of Nominee PHOTO OF NOMINEE Gold Award Nominating for (circle one): V.F.W. J. EDGAR HOOVER V.F.W. FIREFIGHTER V.F.W. EMERGENCY TECHNICIAN Address of Nominee City, State and Zip Phone Nominated by Whom: Post #: Contact Phone: RESUME OF NOMINEE'S BACKGROUND: (Attach required documentation) RESUME OF NOMINEE'S BACKGROUND IN THE ABOVE CIRCLED WORK: (Attach required documentation) NOMINEES'S ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN THE ABOVE CIRCLED FIELD: Send completed form, resumes and photograph to: (Attach required documentation) Don Nix, Safety Chairman Department of Minnesota, V.F.W. Rice Street Station - PO Box St. Paul, MN MUST BE IN DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS BEFORE January 1, General Orders 41 November 2014

42 SCHOOL BUS DRIVER AWARD DIRECTIONS: NOTE NEW DEADLINE: Each VFW Post/Auxiliary may nominate one (1) School Bus Driver for the Safe Student Transportation Award by completing this form. MARCH 1, 2015 Candidate applications must be the hands of the Department Chairman Don Nix for judging no later than this date. Send Entries to: Dept of MN Veterans of Foreign Wars Attn: Safety Chair Rice Street Station PO Box St Paul, MN Post/Auxiliary sponsoring nomination # VFW District # Post/Auxiliary Commander/President Signature Post/Auxiliary Safety Chairman Post/Auxiliary Safety Chairman PHONE School Bus Driver's name Bus Driver s Address: School Phone The following questions are to be completed by Driver's Supervisor. I (Print Supervisors Name) acknowledge and attest to accuracy of the following information for this school bus driver (Print Name) 1. Is Bus Driver's drivers license current ( yes or no) 2. Minnesota Law requires school bus drivers to undergo a criminal history background investigation. Are the background check results for this person on file? 3. Total number of years of driving school bus. 4. Lifetime total number of "chargeable accidents" that occurred while driving a bus (Driver cited/fined) 5. Lifetime total number of "moving violations" that occurred while driving a bus. (Driver cited/fined) 6. Is person currently a school bus driver? 7. Present route's miles driven (total, round trip per day) 8. Present route's number of children transported on a average day. (calculate each student only once) 9. Average number of minutes driven per daily morning route? 10. Average number of minutes driven per daily evening route? 11. Number of extra-curricular bus trips in an average month (calculate each game or field trip as one). 12. Total number of years that I have supervised this person Supervisor's Signature General Orders 42 November 2014 Date Date

43 -MORE- THIS PORTION OF THE APPLICATION IS TO BE COMPLETED BY SCHOOL PRINCIPAL PURPOSE: The purpose of this Safety Award is to acknowledge and honor the services and contributions that school bus drivers selflessly provide for the safety, care, well being of our children. The Veterans of Foreign Wars provide local awards. From among the local awards winners, one top winner is then selected in each of the nine (9) VFW Districts. One State Winner is then selected and honored by the Veterans of Foreign Wars at their State Convention in June DIRECTIONS: As a School principal, please write a brief letter of reference on behalf of the local candidate that attests to this candidate's character and devotion to the service and well being of school children. Please include specific examples. The information may be written in the space below (signed/dated) or you may choose to attach a letter. (Please sign and date) SCHOOL NAME PRINCIPAL'S NAME DATE UPDATED 9/2/14 General Orders 43 November 2014

44 ANNUAL PUBLICATIONS CONTEST DEPARTMENT OF MINNESOTA VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS OF THE UNITED STATES For more information on the Post and District Publications Contest: contact Don Heuer, Department Publications and Public Relations Chair. Phone: or , The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post and District Publications Contest recognizes excellence in Post and District publications. Entries will be judged on content, design, pictures and graphics (where relevant), and overall quality. Awards will be presented to the winners at the Department Convention and will include a Sweepstakes Award to the best overall publication. Any Minnesota VFW Post or District that regularly publishes a newspaper or newsletter for its members may enter. Awards will be presented for first, second, and honorable mention, if judged applicable, to the winners. Entries will be judged by Membership Category - 99 and less; ; and 180 or more. If your Post has a web site, it must be recognized by the Department of Minnesota and listed as such in the Department's list of Posts. The web site should be easy to access, please keep it up to date as well as informative for your members. We will be searching through the web sites from time to time throughout the year. Please submit your entries early. Deadline is March 9, Send your two (2) best issues, printed between January, 2014 and December, Place your entry in a 9 X 12 envelope and clearly identify it by writing Publications Contest on the outside. Include your return address and enclose the completed form below. MAIL TO: Don Heuer, Chair Department of Minnesota, V.F.W. Publications and Public Relations Rice St Station - PO Box St Paul, MN Entries will NOT be returned, and the judges decisions will be final *************************************************************************************************************** ENCLOSE THIS FORM WITH YOUR POST/DISTRICT ENTRY! POST/DISTRICT # COMMANDER S NAME ADDRESS Phone EDITOR S NAME ADDRESS Phone NAME OF PUBLICATION CATEGORIES: POSTS: SMALL (99 or Fewer) MEDIUM ( ) LARGE (180 or more) DISTRICTS: SMALL (1,299 or less) MEDIUM (1,300-2,099) Membership total LARGE (2,100 or more) General Orders 44 November 2014